The Lost Book of Magic

The Grandest Bookshop in the World #3

by Amelia Mellor

It's 1895, Melbourne is in crisis, and Pearl and Vally Cole's father has suggested the it might be time to close the grandest bookshop in the world.

When a ghostly visitor offers Pearl magic that could save her home, she seizes her chance. But her new friend is not what he seems, and the unstoppable magic in the palm of her hand comes at a terrible cost.

Vally can see just one way to save Pearl before she is lost forever. He must call upon the sinister magician who nearly destroyed the Cole family two years ago. But the Obscurosmith only performs the impossible for a price ...

Reunite with old friends, solve fiendish puzzles, and find five lost treasures from across the globe in this sweeping adventure that concludes the story of The Grandest Bookshop in the World.

Genres: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Books About Books, Middle Grade, Childrens

352 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
A magical and imaginative tale with elements inspired by Melbourne history which I found fascinating. The book is beautifully presented in hardcover edition.

The Lost Book of Magic by Amelia Mellor is the finale to a trilogy and can be easily read as a standalone. This middle grade fantasy is set in the Cole’s Book Arcade, Melbourne in 1895, the Grandest bookshop in the world and home to the Coles family.

Melbourne is in drought and its worse recession and the owners of the Cole’s Book Arcade suggests it may be time to shut the doors but the children have other ideas.

A ghostly spirit tricks Pearl aged twelve into believing he will help her with magic that will save the Book Arcade, but all is not what it seems as we follow the childrens exploits and challenges to foil the evil Obscurosmith.

An entertaining escape from reality and suitable for middle grade readers and adults alike.

Publication Date 24 September 2024
Publisher Affirm Press

A big thank you to Affirm Press for a copy of the book to read.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy has been such a joy to share with my daughter. It is one for the heart and head bursting with originality, hidden history lessons, and multifaceted characters. This series would make for marvellous films!

[Lobo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amelia Mellor trilógiájának befejező része Az élet varázskönyve, amit valamennyire lehet az előzmények ismerete nélkül is olvasni, de igazán miért is akarnánk úgy csinálni amikor egy nagyon szellemes, rejtélyekkel és rejtvényekkel teli ifjúsági regényről van szó, amely tényleg minden korosztálynak tud valami izgalmasat adni. Jómagam például egyáltalán nem remekelek a fejtörőkben és logikai feladványokban, viszont végtelenül izgalmasnak találtam a történelmi környezetet amiben ezek a regények játszódtak.
Amelia Mellor Melbourne-je részben valós eseményekre és helyszínekre kalauzolja el az olvasót. Ismét érdemes elolvasni a szerző utószavát, sőt akár a cselekmény során felmerülő helyszínekre rákeresni is megéri. Igazán el lehet merülni a korabeli atmoszférában és számomra, mint korábbi alkalmakkor is mondtam ez az egyik vonzó tulajdonsága a trilógiának. Megismerni a 19. századi Ausztráliát, s korabeli helyeket és mindezt varázslatossá teszi az, ahogy a szerző körbeszövi a mágiával, titkokkal na meg persze rejtélyekkel. Ráadásul most nem is egy, hanem két gonosszal állunk szemben, s mindketten igazán szívtelenek és kegyetlenek tudnak lenni: a szellem kimondottan hátborzongató, az Obskurátor meg igazi önző megalomán alak. Két főhősünkért külön-külön is lehet izgulni Pearl igazán nagy slamasztikába került és Vally nagyon is jól látja, hogy végzetes lehet, ami a húgával történt, szóval extrán sarkallja mindez arra, hogy törje a fejét és megfejtsen ősi titkokat.

Az elképesztő kalandok mellett nagyon élénken vannak megrajzolva a főhősök is és igazán együtt lehet érezni velük, a kétségbeesésükkel, az embernek elakad a lélegzete, amikor arról olvas, mennyire tehetetlenné válik Pearl. Úgyhogy bár kb. 9 éves kortól ajánlják a regényt, a hossza és az összetettsége miatt talán kicsit idősebbeknek érdemes forgatni. Persze jó ifjúsági regényhez illően a helyzet rendeződik a végére, de azért nem semmi az a hullámvasút amin végigvisz minket Amelia Mellor: nemcsak kalandregény de igazi érzelmi utazás is amin részt veszünk az olvasás közben. Pearl és Vally története arról is szól, hogy milyen elveszettnek érezni magunkat és hogy találhatunk szilárd támogató közeget, s a barátok és a család sokat tudnak segíteni, amikor szembe kell néznünk a félelmeinkkel.
Amelia Mellor trilógiája izgalmas és érdekes olvasmány volt. Kíváncsian várom, hogy a szerző legközelebb milyen témát választ regényének.


Részletesen: https://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/2...-
varazskonyve/

[Beáta Pálfi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Végre, végre, megérkezett a trilógia 3. része! Visszatértünk az első rész világába, két évvel később, és az Obskurátor megint megjelenik. A 2. rész kevésbé tetszett, mint az első, bár Billy és Kezia kettősét imádtam, és hangosan felujjongtam, mikor megjelentek a zárókötetben, immár felnőttként. Ez a rész viszont újra hozta az első rész színvonalát, izgalmait, rejtélyeit.

A szerző új sorozatba kezdett, ami remélhetőleg hamar megjelenik nálunk is.

[Rebecca Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this and again loved traveling around Old Melbourne while the kids solved each puzzle.
Order of preference in trilogy: Book 1, 3 & 2

[Michele (michelethebookdragon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Book of Magic is a fitting finale to this series based on the Coles Book Arcade in Melbourne in Victorian times. This book was as thrilling as it was enchanting and magical.

This time we are back in the Coles Book Arcade, and while Mr and Mrs Cole and the eldest two children are on a trip to Sydney, Pearl is taken over by an unknown entity. Vally bravely comes to her aid, as well as Mr Pyke and Kezia from The Booksellers Apprentice. It looks like it will take all their magic to best this enemy.

They find that they also need to enlist the help of the Obscurosmith. What does he have to do with this being and what will he want from them all this time?

What ensues is a race against time to save Pearl, save the bookshop, save Melbourne and all before Mr and Mrs Cole return home. Vally, Ivy, Mr Pyke and Kezia meet all sorts of magical enemies from statues come to life and talking zoo animals all while trying to solve puzzles that will help them find The Lost Book of Magic.

I was thoroughly entranced by this adventure and the imaginative storytelling. I loved the puzzles and trying to solve them (thank goodness Pearl was not relying on me!). I found I was googling the locations to see what info was available and if they were still around.

I do love that these stories are as much a history lesson as they are wonderful stories.

[Lucy Sweeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Book Of Magic by Amelia Mellor
☀️☀️☀️☀️⛅ (4.5 rounded up)

This book is jam packed with action, history, magic and love; it is the perfect ending to such a captivating fantasy trilogy!

After learning about Pearl and Vally in book one, and Billy and Kezia in book two, seeing the group converge into one super team was so satisfying! The growth we see from the children in particular is wonderful, especially through their relationship with the Obscurosmith and how they respond to his, well, dilemma.

The plot is, as ever, a rollercoaster of moments filled with adventure, tension, and mystery. I struggled with these riddles more than the previous books (which shows that history is not my strong suit!) but the logic and follow through all functioned incredibly well to showcase the city and build the pace across the second and third act.

The emphasis on iconic Melbourne locations and landmarks works so well within the structure of the Obscurosmith's challenge, and really highlights the cultural and social impact these spaces have on people of that era, and also today. It truly is a love letter to Melbourne ❤️

The journey was spectacular and heartfelt and left me feeling warm and fuzzy afterwards. I thoroughly recommend this book - and the entire series - to readers young and old seeking something both whimsical and mature and very, very fun!


"Sometimes Vally wished he had a different sort of mind, one that didn't worry so much [...] But two years ago, a mind that searched, and analysed, and refused to be complacent, had turned out to be quite valuable indeed. Finding problems where no one else saw any was perceptive. Turning doubts over and over was a way of looking for solutions.
Vally had saved his family with his restless, questioning brain."

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 1895, Melbourne is in crisis, and Pearl and Vally Cole's father has suggested the unthinkable: it might be time to close the grandest bookshop in the world.
Vally can see just one way to save Pearl before she is lost forever. He must call upon the sinister magician who nearly destroyed the Cole family two years ago. But the Obscurosmith only performs the impossible for a price.. this is the conclusion to the story of The Grandest Bookshop in the World.
.
Of course this is a hit for anyone who loved the first two books in the series of The Grandest Bookshop in the World.
When decisions need to be made about the fate of the bookshop, Pearl takes matters into her own hands- but the cost is more than she expected.
Here we have more adventure and the return of the Obscurosmith with his mysterious magic, and plenty of puzzles to be solved! This whole series is great for young fantasy lovers (middle grade / young YA), and I absolutely love the historical aspect - the note at the end of each book gives great information to readers about the inspiration for the series.

[Great Escape Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Review...

The Lost Book of Magic is the next thrilling instalment in the beloved Grandest Bookshop in the World series, by Amelia Mellor.

The Coles continue to live and work in the Book Arcade, the grandest one in the world. Only, it’s not been so grand lately. Money is drying up, and the Coles are considering moving to Sydney. And for Pearl Cole, that is unacceptable. She will do anything, even make a deal with the devil, to make them stay.

I recommend this book and series to those who enjoyed The Hatmakers, Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm and The Fortune Maker.

A gripping historical fiction and fantasy, with an exciting adventure to keep you hooked until the very end.

Review by Malia @ Great Escape Books

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up.

I miss this series already. I really enjoyed this book and while I may not have enjoyed it quite as much as I did the first (I want to reread it now) I think this combines the best of both previously published novels.
Same characters as the first with the more historical/action-y feel of the prequel.

Part of me still wants more clarity on The Obscurosmith (seriously, is he human?) but we do still get a lot of information on how his minds works in this, so it might just my biases and be the fact that he has become one of my favourite book villains than any particular flaw in the book/s.

Overall a delightful end to the series.

[Aryani Siti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a mix of history and fantasy, set in Melbourne in 1895. The story is about a brother and sister, Pearl and Vally Cole, who try to save their family’s famous bookshop, Cole’s Book Arcade. 

The book has lots of adventure, fun mysteries, and family love. It also shows real places and events from old Melbourne, which makes it special for people who know the city. The writing makes everything feel magical but also real.

People who love history, magic, and exciting stories will enjoy this book. It’s a wonderful mix of real and imagined events, with great characters and a sweet message about family and bravery.

[Hisashi Nya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este libro fue una compra compulsiva he de admitirlo, pero creo que ha sido una de las mejores que he hecho en mucho tiempo, es cierto que en si la historia no me gustó tanto, pero puedo decir que a pesar de todo la disfrute lo suficiente como para recomendarla.
Otra cosa que mencionar es el hecho de que este libro es parte de una trilogía, de hecho, es la última parte, pero aún así fui completamente capaz de leerlo sin necesidad de investigar más allá para comprender el porqué de lo que sucedia, algo destaco de este libro, sobre todo porque el público al que está dirigido es a niños y no creo que quieran leerse dos libros antes solo para comprender una historia.

[Sensei Sarhn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook with my preteen.

My preteen's review:

"It was good but a bit slow in the beginning. I enjoyed the storyline and all magic references.

I found it interesting (at the back of the book) where it was mentioned that the bookshop was a real shop in Melbourne, many years ago and that the part of the story like the economy troubles were true (of course not the magical parts)."

[Sari James · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read.
I love the historic aspects of these novels.
This was a fantastic end to the series with ll of the characters and the importance of books in our communities.

The magic was a lot of fun, and the puzzles were very interesting.

I can't wait to see what else this author publishes!

[Jenny Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start but then the plot really got going. Living in Melbourne all my life, I really enjoyed the references to places I used to go as a child like the museum, the zoo with its horrible small cages, Little Bourke street. Thanks Amelia for making this olden days Melbourne live again with lots of magic thrown in.

[Phøenix13 (Inactive) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another five-star banger from Amelia Mellor!

I love this series so much, and I'm for sure going to miss it. Such a wonderful piece of history is explored in this story, every Australian booklover should hear about the Cole family at least once in their lifetime!

[Sheryl Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

All three books in this series are amongst the most exciting I have ever read. You never know what will happen next. You have to keep reading because you have to know what happens next. I highly recommend all three books.

[moggithy mogginson · Rating 5 out of 5]

a great ending to the series, I loved all the exploration and learning more about Melbourne's history... and of course the magic and puzzles :)

[Anne Weaver · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little bit complex

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantasy is not something I would normally read, but this was different and I made it to the end of the book. All I can say is that imagination is a wonderful thing.

[Bianca · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started off well, slowed down a lot in the middle and then once it was getting interesting again the pace sped up and it was finished before I was ready!

[Katalin Grimm · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5*

[Mitchell Garland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun, magical, fitting end to the series!

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

more of Melbourne explored than the Bookshop and brings together characters from both previous books in a neat way. still good and scary. clever and tense.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The spectacular conclusion to one of the most enthralling series around. Settings for the good vs evil battle of wills are instantly recognisable landmarks of Melbourne and the historic tidbits are as compelling to read as the exploits of the Cole children facing their tormentor the Obscurosmith. This time the very existence of the Coles Book Arcade is in peril.